Lonely Planet's top destinations for 2014

Sitting on the equator between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador may be the smallest Andean nation but it’s packed with the most startling contrasts of scenery. The steamy jungle wilderness of the Oriente and the mist-shrouded lowland cloudforests hold and protect just some of the country’s mind-boggling array of flora and fauna

Sitting on the equator between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador may be the smallest Andean nation but it’s packed with the most startling contrasts of scenery. The steamy jungle wilderness of the Oriente and the mist-shrouded lowland cloudforests hold and protect just some of the country’s mind-boggling array of flora and fauna

Sitting on the equator between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador may be the smallest Andean nation but it’s packed with the most startling contrasts of scenery. The steamy jungle wilderness of the Oriente and the mist-shrouded lowland cloudforests hold and protect just some of the country’s mind-boggling array of flora and fauna

New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous urban agglomerations in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment.

New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous urban agglomerations in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment.

New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous urban agglomerations in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment.

Kerala joined the likes of New York City, Denmark, Prague, Iceland, Italy and Hawaii in being described by the travel expert as a child-friendly destination ideal for the family. Kerala is a family-friendly version, more laid back than other regions, greener, slower paced. There are also lots of national parks for elephant spotting, palm fringed beaches and boat trips along the lush canals of the backwaters

Kerala joined the likes of New York City, Denmark, Prague, Iceland, Italy and Hawaii in being described by the travel expert as a child-friendly destination ideal for the family. Kerala is a family-friendly version, more laid back than other regions, greener, slower paced. There are also lots of national parks for elephant spotting, palm fringed beaches and boat trips along the lush canals of the backwaters

Kerala joined the likes of New York City, Denmark, Prague, Iceland, Italy and Hawaii in being described by the travel expert as a child-friendly destination ideal for the family. Kerala is a family-friendly version, more laid back than other regions, greener, slower paced. There are also lots of national parks for elephant spotting, palm fringed beaches and boat trips along the lush canals of the backwaters

Mexico's many pre-Hispanic sites are among the country's most interesting destinations. Mexican food as a category needs little introduction; it was even recognized by UNESCO as part of world heritage in 2010.

Mexico's many pre-Hispanic sites are among the country's most interesting destinations. Mexican food as a category needs little introduction; it was even recognized by UNESCO as part of world heritage in 2010.

Mexico's many pre-Hispanic sites are among the country's most interesting destinations. Mexican food as a category needs little introduction; it was even recognized by UNESCO as part of world heritage in 2010.

Sikkim was the first Indian state to frame an eco-tourism policy with the help of Japanese and American experts. It started popularising village tourism a few years ago and aggressively developed tourist destinations and circuits and a bunch of activities to attract tourists.

Sikkim was the first Indian state to frame an eco-tourism policy with the help of Japanese and American experts. It started popularising village tourism a few years ago and aggressively developed tourist destinations and circuits and a bunch of activities to attract tourists.

Sikkim was the first Indian state to frame an eco-tourism policy with the help of Japanese and American experts. It started popularising village tourism a few years ago and aggressively developed tourist destinations and circuits and a bunch of activities to attract tourists.

Macedonia is a veritable treasury of cultural heritage. Macedonia treasures a large number of cultural and historical monuments: churches, monasteries, icons, archaeological sites, mosques, old books, and other artefacts.

Macedonia is a veritable treasury of cultural heritage. Macedonia treasures a large number of cultural and historical monuments: churches, monasteries, icons, archaeological sites, mosques, old books, and other artefacts.

Macedonia is a veritable treasury of cultural heritage. Macedonia treasures a large number of cultural and historical monuments: churches, monasteries, icons, archaeological sites, mosques, old books, and other artefacts.

Belgium is overflowing with ideas for excursions for the whole family, there is an incredible choice, and an exceptional variety. There are almost 365 tourist attractions and museums in our 10 provinces where you can enjoy yourselves throughout the year.

Belgium is overflowing with ideas for excursions for the whole family, there is an incredible choice, and an exceptional variety. There are almost 365 tourist attractions and museums in our 10 provinces where you can enjoy yourselves throughout the year.

Belgium is overflowing with ideas for excursions for the whole family, there is an incredible choice, and an exceptional variety. There are almost 365 tourist attractions and museums in our 10 provinces where you can enjoy yourselves throughout the year.